Nigerians should not be ‘Cowards’ when attacked by bandits – Defence Minister

Yusuf Bello| Nigeria’s defence minister, Major General (rtd), Bashir Magashi, on Wednesday asked Nigerians to summon courage and not be cowards when attacked by bandits and other gunmen who are causing mayhem across the country.

Magashi who stated this on the sideline of the screening of Service Chiefs by the House of Representatives, described those who abducted staff and students of a secondary school in Kagara community in Rafi Local Government Area of Niger State, as cowards.

According to him, Nigerians have the responsibility to ensure there is adequate security around them.

“Well, is it not the responsibility of the military alone? It is the responsibility of everybody to be alert and ensure safety when necessary.

“We shouldn’t be cowards. Sometimes the bandits come with about three rounds of ammunition and when they fire shots everybody will run. In our younger days, we stand to fight any form of aggression.

“Why should people run away from minor, minor aggressions? We should stand and face them. If these people know that the people have the competence and capability to defend themselves, they will run away,” the minister said.

Magashi, however, disagreed with those clamouring for Nigerians to be allowed to bear arms to defend themselves.

He said, “It is an issue currently even in the developed country. They are still debating on whether to continue (to allow people bear arms) or stop. But I don’t advice Nigerians to bear fire arms for internal use.”

The minister also assured Nigerians that all the abducted students would be rescued as soon as possible as the service chiefs would swing into action swiftly to track down the kidnappers.

According to him, the government will replicate the strategy used in freeing the Kankara schoolboys to obtain success in freeing the Kagara students and staff.

”We have demonstrated our ability to take on the challenge. We have done it in Katsina; when children were kidnapped. Within two days, we got them back. Hopefully, this time, we will do the same (thing) to get these captives back. We are planning, he said.

“We have not got feedback on the activities going on in Niger State. But I am sure that before the end of the day, we will be given a full brief on what is going on in Niger State.”